Concerts & Events List

Monthly meetings for all Band and Orchestra parents/guardians. The Band and Orchestra Directors and meeting attendees discuss all program activities, fundraisers, questions and concerns. Many decisions affecting the BHHS Instrumental Music program are made at these meetings. Everyone is welcome and encouraged to attend!

Pre-Camp rehearsals take place on the football field at BHHS. The focus is on leadership, marching fundamentals, and getting organized before Band Camp. These typically begin a week before Band Camp. Please check a detailed schedule for when students need to attend.

Students travel to an overnight camp and spend several days working on our Marching Band show. Over half of our rehearsal time for the year happens at Band Camp. This time offers students the opportunity to bond, get to know each other, grow as a family, and learn our show. 

After Band Camp, we start weekly evening rehearsals — 6:30–9:00 pm on Wednesdays (8:30 once school begins). These take place throughout the entire Marching Band season, from August–October.

NOTE: The Drumline and Color Guard have additional weekly Sectional rehearsals. Members of those sections will be given the time and location details.

Official uniforms are distributed before and after a weekly rehearsal in August. It takes a LOT of people to make this event run smoothly and efficiently. Please consider volunteering — it's a great way for new parents/guardians to meet some old ones!

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First Football Game – SEPTEMBER

For the first game, the MB usually wears their "Summer Uniform" — season t-shirt (distributed at Band Camp), plain black shorts, white socks, black shoes, and white MB hat or visor.

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MB Uniform Collection – NOVEMBER

Marching Band uniforms are collected after the season ends; time/date will be announced.

The Marching Band performs at Home games for the Varsity Football team. This includes a pre-game and halftime show, playing in the stands, and would include playoff games, if necessary. The Marching Band also performs for teachers and staff at the district-wide "Welcome Back" meeting the week before school begins, at the BH Open House event, MB Invitationals, the MSBOA District Marching Band Festival, the BHHS Band-O-Rama Concert, and a Middle School Tour at North & South Hills Middle Schools.

Members of BBOB run the concession stand at all Home Varsity Football games. This is one of our largest fundraising activities, so it's paramount to have volunteers from all ensembles. You do not have to be a Marching Band parent to participate — we welcome volunteers from any ensemble and would actually love to have some that don't have students performing in the halftime show! All profits go to BBOB's general fund. Besides raising money, this is also a great chance to socialize and have fun with other Band & Orchestra parents!

At the beginning of each school year, the Band and Orchestra Directors explain their class expectations for students. Parents are strongly encouraged to attend Curriculum Night to learn more about how the music classes are structured, how information is distributed, how to keep up to date on your student’s performance, and how to communicate with the instructors.

Tuxedo/concert attire is distributed to Orchestra students in September; time/date will be announced. Measurement form will need to be completed or dress will need to be ordered and cleaning fee required at that time.

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Tuxedo/concert attire is distributed to Band students in November, after the MB season ends; time/date will be announced. Measurement form will need to be completed or dress will need to be ordered and cleaning fee required at that time.

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Concert Uniform Collection – SPRING

All tuxedo/concert attire is collected at the end of the school year, after our ensembles' last performances; time/date will be announced.

Additional performances sponsored by other schools may take place in late September or early October. Participating bands perform their halftime shows, receive a rating, and take home a trophy. Families and friends are highly encouraged to attend. Events are held at the sponsoring high school’s sports field. There is usually a small entrance fee for spectators. 

Tryouts are conducted for chair placement in all Bands and Orchestras, usually at the beginning of October. Students are expected to prepare assigned excerpts and a solo for their audition.

An opportunity for families to see the progression in band, starting from 6th grade. From the beginning learning hot cross buns to the mastery of a high school ensemble; it is all brought together and highlighted in one fun show!

MSBOA Marching Band Festivals are held at the District level only. There is not a State Marching Band Festival. At the Festival, Marching Bands are adjudicated by three judges one in each of the following captions: Music, Marching, and General Effect Showmanship. A final rating is determined by a predominance of ratings. Each band has a 15-minute block of time to enter the field, perform their show and exit the field. BHHS typically hosts this event on a Monday in October.

The first concert of the orchestra season featuring all orchestral ensembles as well as all members of the BHHS choral ensembles.

Right after Marching Band season ends, another ensemble begins — Full Orchestra, aka "FLORK". This ensemble includes Symphony Orchestra strings and select Band members (woodwind, brass and percussion). FLORK students study literature from the full symphonic repertoire and perform at select concerts throughout the year. Rehearsals begin in the second academic quarter and are held Thursdays after school from 3:00-4:50. Although it takes place after school, it is considered an "9th hour" class.

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Every year, the BHHS Theater Dept. puts on a musical. Members from the Bands and Orchestras are selected by the Directors to perform the score as the Pit Orchestra. They are required to make all rehearsals starting in mid-September and are an integral part of the show. There are usually 3 performances and audience members are required to purchase tickets for each show.

This is the first formal concert of the year offered by the entire BHHS Music Department. This is always exciting for all Band, Orchestra and Choir students, as well as their families. The ensembles perform one right after the other, the only break in the music is a short intermission. As soon as the last note of one song plays, the first note of the next song begins. A reception sponsored by both BBOB and Choral Boosters follows the concert and families are asked to contribute finger desserts and beverages. 

This activity is highly recommended. It does require payment of a registration fee and accompanist fees. Students obtain their own accompanist (list is available). A 1st Division rating at the District level allows students to progress to the State level. Students reaching the highest levels are invited to participate in the State Honors Band/Orchestra.

This is the Band, Orchestra and Choir orientation event for incoming 8th grade students who plan to participate in the music program at BHHS. Concert Bands and Orchestras perform at this event.

(description coming soon)

Generally held in early March at a local high school. Performance times are announced within a month of the concert date. MSBOA Festival is the group equivalent to Solo & Ensemble for individuals. The performance and sight-reading session are both open and family members are encouraged to attend. Buses usually provide student transport to and from the event.

The Traub Scholarship was established in 1956 for BHHS students to allow recipients in the areas of music and art to travel to Europe the summer after graduating from high school. Senior music students may audition and the winner and runner-up are announced in April at a school-wide assembly followed by a reception.

Organized by the students, this event gives them the opportunity to show off their many talents. Whether it is performing with their jazz band, with one of their smaller combos or even as individuals, there is something for everyone! The various performances are located throughout the school; locations will be posted. There is also a silent auction, which is an important BBOB fundraiser, so come ready to bid on some great packages!

Try-outs for the next Fall's Marching Band leadership positions (Drum Majors and Color Guard Captains) are held.

This multi-day event celebrates the Arts in Michigan and youth who represent the “best of the best” in music, drama, literature, and visual arts. All participants arrive at the Festival by excelling at the competitive events that start with District level activities such as Solo & Ensemble. Over the years, we have had numerous students honored through participation in this Festival.

This concert features the campus, concert and symphony bands as well as the jazz lab and jazz ensemble.

(description coming soon)

This is a special concert for Senior Band, Orchestra and Choir students. Students audition for the privilege of a solo performance with appropriate ensemble accompaniment. We also honor seniors with specific awards for outstanding participation. BBOB and Choral Boosters provide a reception following the concert.

The Symphony Band and Symphony Orchestra take turns playing for the graduation ceremony, alternating every year.

This meeting is for students and families who are new to Marching Band. It takes place in the Legacy Courtyard at BHHS and typically lasts about 45 minutes. New parents will be able to meet the Directors and receive detailed information about Band Camp and Marching Band.